UNG musicians and singers to serenade audiences this spring

January 29, 2018

Sounds of the instrument and vocal ensembles will blend melodies and harmonies this spring during the inaugural Collage Concert at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

"We wanted to put on a concert that ultimately incorporated the majority of the ensembles on UNG’s Dahlonega Campus," said Dr. Benjamin Schoening, head of UNG's department of music and director of vocal studies.

Collaborating on this concert are the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Low-Brass Collective, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, UNG Singers, and Musical Theater Ensemble. With the different groups performing, the music will vary with one common denominator — music found in movies.

"We will have everything from traditional and classical repertoire to Top 40 hits, depending on how each ensemble interprets the theme," Schoening said, indicating he hopes the more trendy sounds will lure more students to the concert.

The Collage Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, in Memorial Hall Gym on the Dahlonega Campus. It is one of several concerts scheduled for the 2018 spring semester.

Launching the spring concerts is "A Little Night(hawk) Music" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, in the Continuing Education Building on the Gainesville Campus.

Three days later, students on the Dahlonega Campus will be treated to a performance by the Vega String Quartet. The internationally known group performs all over the world and is the resident string quartet at Emory University in Atlanta.

"They are one of the best quartets out there," Schoening said. "To have them so close, we could not pass up the opportunity to have them come and perform."

UNG students are also fortunate enough to have high-caliber faculty on staff who will perform this spring.

Dr. Joanna Kim is an associate professor of music, director of keyboard studies and a certified Steinway artist. Her spring concert will feature award-winning pianists Dr. Sergio Gallo, Dr. Zeynep Ucbasaran and Dr. Vicente Della Tonia.

"Our program features piano repertoire that incorporates four hands, six hands and finally eight hands (two, three and four players on one piano) with styles ranging from classic, romantic, joyful dance to the sound of a horse gallop," Kim said. "Watching multiple pianists on one piano will certainly be entertaining for the audience."

While UNG students will be treated to concerts featuring professionals, they also will show off their own talents in concerts, such as the annual Big Band Show at 7:30 p.m. March 2-3 in Ed Cabell Theatre in Gainesville. The Low-Brass Collective also will shine during the Spring Euphoria concert at 7:30 p.m. March 27 and 29 in Gloria Shott Performance Hall in Dahlonega and 7:30 p.m. March 28 in Ed Cabell Theatre lobby in Gainesville.